by Griffin Gamble
Former Utah State Aggie quarterback Jordan Love made his first career start Sunday afternoon. This came as a result of the shocking news coming earlier in the week that MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19. Love was handed the keys to the offense on the road against Kansas City. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the toughest places to play, so making a first career start there isn’t ideal. Love had his struggles, but the loss certainly wasn’t all on him.
First Half
The first half was a roller coaster for Love and the Packers. It was a nightmare for the special teams of Green Bay. Love had them in field goal range two separate times in the first half. However, the Packers missed a field goal and had a field goal blocked. Love had two drives where he looked impressive. A drive that started at their own 2-yard line saw Love throwing from his own end zone. A couple of nice plays had them out around midfield, however that drive would stall out.
Love had the chance at a two minute drill before halftime. This was highlighted by a deep throw on the run to Randall Cobb for 35 yards. That drive ended in a turnover on downs but overall Love had a decent first half. If it weren’t for the Packers making mistakes on special teams, they would have put at least six points on the board. In fact, Love had more yards than Mahomes on less attempts in the first half. The Packers trailed 13-0 at half, and Love had an uphill battle to climb in the second half.
Second Half
The second half was unfortunately more of the same for Love and the offense. Mainly on third down, they had no answer. Going 2-12 on third down in a game makes it almost impossible to win. The Chiefs defense realized the communication and timing issues and began to bring the pressure. Blitzing on every third down, the Packers had no answer. Love’s best throw came once again from his own end zone. A dart to star WR Davante Adams, Love and the offense was on the move. However, another drive was stalled. The next possession saw Love on 4th and 5 with the game on the line. He connected with Allen Lazard for a 20-yard touchdown, giving the Packers life.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, Mahomes made a classic Houdini play to ice the game, not allowing Love to get the ball back. The Packers lost 13-7 in a very strange game. Love won’t see much action for the rest of the season once Rodgers returns.
This game is going to be a major factor in the Packers deciding if he is the future. The fourth quarter was impressive from Love, including two fourth down conversions. Packers fans would have loved to see Love get the ball back in a two minute drill with a chance to win the game. He statistically did not light up the scoreboard. However, it could be argued that Love was not even close to the reason the Packers lost this game. The special teams, play calling, and lack of experience and preparation was the downfall of the Packers on Sunday afternoon.
Featured image courtesy Getty Images